Ageism

The Hospitality sector continues to employ a much younger workforce than across the whole economy – 44 percent are under 30 compared to a national average of 24 percent. The average age of those working in the sector is 34 compared to the national average of 41. In addition 77 percent of waiting and bar staff are under 30 and only 6 percent of those working in the sector are over 60.

However the demographics of the workforce are likely to change dramatically in the future with, for instance, the 20-24 age group falling by 10 percent and the 55-59 age group increasing by a quarter. These changes mean that if the sector is to successfully recruit the projected number of staff, then it may need to think differently about which labour pools it targets and to consider recruiting from older labour pools, such as female returners and those working in other sectors. Philippe Rossiter, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, has commented:

“In the future, I think there will be a shift towards slightly older workers. Partly because economic drivers will require them to work longer, and we’re a growing industry where there are jobs available. We also offer huge possibilities for part-time work, which will suit older people who might be moving into semi-retirement, but wish to keep their hand in doing something”.

[Information extracted from People 1st’s State of the Nation report 2011]

One and All is focussed on encouraging employers to consider employing more older workers as part of their workforce and dealing with the issues that result from this.

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